MCFADDEN Civils is a family-run civil engineering business that undertakes water contracts, road-service works, industrial-estate developments, and major earth-moving projects across Ireland and Scotland.
Founded by Des McFadden in 1977 with a single digger, the Northern Ireland-headquartered firm has evolved into a major contractor and will celebrate 50 years in business next year.
Over the last 30 years, McFaddens has become a committed horizontal directional drilling (HDD) proponent – recognising the benefits of trenchless technology for utilities projects; in particular water contracts. The company owned two TRACTO GRUNDODRILL HDD machines – an 18ACS and a 15XPT.
Both machines are said to have been well-maintained and are now available from TRACTO UK after being traded in for the latest HDD machine in the TRACTO range – a GRUNDODRILL 20ACS. The new rig combines rock and jet drilling capabilities in a single, highly automated platform designed to tackle complex ground conditions with greater efficiency, safety and productivity.
In August this year, the company was able to collect its new, full-spec HDD rig from the TRACTO offices in Bedford whilst dropping off one of its exchange models. Whilst there, the McFaddens team undertook familiarisation training.
Director Emmett McFadden said, “We’re very pleased with the swift conclusion of this deal. TRACTO has bent over backwards to help us with part-exchange and training and the machine will be a huge bonus on site. It offers us bigger diameters, more scope and will enable us to complete tough drills faster. We are looking forward to reporting back on the success of its first drill.”
TRACTO’s HDD manager, Jim O’Grady, added, “I would like to thank Emmett and Shane for their continued belief in TRACTO products. They also understand the importance of the support provided both here in Bedford and from our dealer and service agent, Lucas Plant Sales, based in Co. Carlow in the Republic of Ireland.”
